“Okay, let’s go,” Bing Zhi tried not to dwell on Xuan Liu’s words, thinking that Dian’s arrival would reassure Yun Qi that she wouldn’t expose Dian’s identity.
“Mother, I’ve kept you waiting for so long.”
“It’s nothing. Come, Zhi’er, sit with me in the carriage. Autumn is here, and it’s cold outside. Don’t catch a chill,” Xun Luo Xia smiled and held Bing Zhi’s hand.
Xiao Ai also followed, supporting Bing Zhi into the carriage.
“I’ll ride a horse,” Yun Qi easily mounted a horse. “Old Li, let’s set off.” Yun Qi had been remembering Xun Luo Xia’s words and dared not be careless.
“Giddy up! Giddy up!” Old Li cracked his whip, and the horse neighed softly. The carriage was pulled forward at a speed that was just right.
Xun Luo Xia looked at Bing Zhi sitting inside in plain clothes. “Zhi’er, chat with your mother. I’m afraid we’ll be in this carriage the whole way, it’ll be quite boring!”
Bing Zhi obediently nodded, waiting for Xun Luo Xia to start the conversation.
These past few days they were rushing to Luoxia Palace, and I was responsible for taking care of Murong Bingzhi the entire way, never having a chance to approach the young palace master, nor hearing his attitude about the mountain villa incident. The man could not help but feel disappointed. “Is that all?” The entire mountain villa and its survival were the key!
"It's just that I noticed the young palace master seems to have a subtle relationship with his wife. They have been staying in separate rooms throughout the journey, while his wife and mother get along quite well. Moreover, his wife seems to have grown suspicious of me."
The man seemed to be plotting something, his eyes darting back and forth before finally saying, "I have a method to save the mountain villa."
"What method?!" The woman eagerly wanted to know.
"Come, listen to me..." The man beckoned the woman closer and whispered in her ear.
After his speech, the woman's expression became slightly unnatural as she distanced herself from the man. "Is this the only way?"
The man made a helpless expression, saying with difficulty, "Junior sister, I know you still resent me in your heart. Back then, when my brother did not approve of our relationship and expelled you from the villa, you must have suffered a lot. I know that coming to ask for your help now seems inappropriate... Alas, if you don't want to help, don't force yourself. I'll find another way."
"Senior brother, that's not true! How could I resent you? I have been missing you all year, truly!" After a moment, the woman seemed to have made up her mind. "Senior brother, I'll do my best to help you!"
"In your opinion, how skilled are the young palace master's wife and mother? Can you overcome them?" When the woman was not paying attention, the man lowered his head with an inexplicable smile, then quickly composed his expression when she looked at him.
The woman lowered her head and thought for a moment before saying, "I have never seen the young palace master's mother use martial arts, but I have seen his wife practice sword a few times in the backyard. Her martial arts can only be considered average, and her health has always required conditioning. If it were me, I should be able to capture her single-handedly."
"Yun Yi established Luoxia Palace, so his wife certainly cannot be an ordinary person. She must either have exceptional resolve or extraordinary martial arts. I will send people to assist you. If we can get both, that would be best; if not, saving one will do!" the man said.
"When shall we act?" the woman asked.
"Tomorrow. My brother will find a way to lure the surnamed Yun out. To be safe, you should first put some medicine in their tea. Here's the medicine, take it."
Seeing the woman’s panicked expression, he quickly explained, “Don’t worry, it won’t kill anyone, just cause temporary unconsciousness.”
“Really?” She was reluctant to harm Murong Bingzhi, whom she had served for so long. Although Murong Bingzhi was aloof, she had never been harsh to her.
The man nodded solemnly, “When have I ever lied to you?”
The woman hesitated before taking the white medicine packet from the man’s hand and quickly tucking it into her bosom. “Okay! Senior brother, wait for my good news!” She could no longer think clearly; love had made her completely irrational.
“That’s my junior sister. Thank you, senior brother. Remember to be careful and don’t hurt yourself.” The man hugged the woman again, feigning concern, but his tone did not match.
The woman took a deep breath, as if trying to remember the man’s scent, then said, “I’ll go now. If I’m gone too long, I’ll be discovered.” She left, looking back frequently.
Only after the woman was completely out of sight did the man’s gentle smile disappear, replaced by a contemptuous grin. He inwardly mocked the woman’s foolishness, that she would actually risk her life for him!
Last time, he had accidentally encountered her in the marketplace; she immediately recognized him, asking questions and sharing her experiences. He had initially wanted to pretend not to know her, but upon learning she was a servant in the Yun household, he had schemed, pretending to still have feelings for her. Unexpectedly, she believed him so easily!
“Hmph!” The man sneered wickedly, summoning his follower. “Come out.”
“Second Master.” This person was his trusted confidant, who had followed him since childhood.
“Ning Hui, you heard my conversation with that foolish woman just now, right?” the man asked casually.
“Yes, this subordinate heard everything,” Ning Hui replied.
“For the sake of Proud Dragon Mountain Villa, are you willing to take risks?” It turned out this man was actually Ning Fei.
Ning Hui’s thoughts raced, and he immediately knelt down, saying: “I will only take risks for you!”
“Indeed, clever enough!
Ning Fei apparently was satisfied with his answer, nodded, and his tone softened slightly: “Go follow that woman right now. Watch which inn, which room she’s in! You should know what to do next.”
“I obey your command!”
Just as Ning Hui was about to follow Ning Fei’s instructions and chase the woman, he heard Ning Fei coldly say: “Remember, if something goes wrong tomorrow, just come back with the person you’ve captured. As for anything else, don’t keep it!”
Ning Hui didn’t find anything wrong with his master’s command. His master’s timidity in front of the grand master was all an act. In reality, his master was not only deep in scheming but also ruthless!
“I understand! I’ll go right away.”
“Go, don’t disappoint me.” Ning Fei’s tone returned to normal, as if speaking about the most natural thing.
[Chapter 10: Assault (1)]
“Young Palace Master, someone has a report.” After breakfast, Old Li came to Yun Qi’s room. The letter had just arrived by carrier pigeon this morning.
Yun Qi was currently reviewing the financial reports of Luoxia Palace’s commercial establishments. Although Luoxia Palace was a martial arts sect, with tens of thousands of people needing to eat, they were also engaged in business, with various enterprises like weapon sales, escort agencies, and pharmacies. Thus, the annual financial reports were numerous and endless. Originally, these were to be reviewed by Yun Luo with Yun Qi’s help, but now, as Yun Qi was about to take over Luoxia, he was responsible for reviewing all accounts.
Liuyun Tower was one of the five most famous restaurants in the Central Plains, known for its elegance. The other four restaurants were renowned for their hidden, noble, harmonious, and pure reputations. But among them, the one most favored by noble elites and sophisticated martial artists was the Liuyun Tower, also known as the “Elegant Tower”. This shows that Ning had put considerable thought into inviting Yun Qi to this Liuyun Tower.
